The Carolina Panthers are on the rise, having snapped a painful seven-year playoff drought in 2025. The next step for GM Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales is to build a true contender, but a new analysis suggests they'll have to do it with one hand tied behind their back when it comes to draft resources.
CBS Sports has released its 2026 NFL Draft power rankings, which evaluate each team's potential in the upcoming selection process. The Panthers find themselves near the bottom of the barrel, landing at No. 23 overall. While the analysis credits the team's front-office structure and the urgency of their roster needs, their limited draft capital is a significant hurdle.
This challenge is compounded by a tight financial situation. With only $2.2 million in available cap space, Carolina has minimal room to add veteran help in free agency, placing even greater importance on hitting home runs in the draft.
Despite the obstacles, the mission is clear: prove that quarterback Bryce Young is the franchise cornerstone he was drafted to be. Last season's 8-9 NFC South title was a start, but sustaining success means aggressively building around their young QB. The Panthers' shopping list for the draft weekend is long, including wide receiver, tight end, center, defensive line, and inside linebacker.
The most glaring need, however, appears to be at safety. All signs point to Carolina targeting that position first, with Oregon's Dillon Thienemen emerging as a favorite for their first-round pick. Plugging that hole opposite Tre'Von Moehrig is the immediate priority.
Looking beyond the first round, the quickest path to elevating this team into a consistent threat is to load up on offensive weapons for Young. Expect the Panthers to target multiple pass-catchers, potentially using a relatively high pick on a dynamic tight end to give their quarterback every chance to succeed.
The climb from playoff participant to perennial contender is steep, especially when you're drafting from the back of the line. How the Panthers navigate their limited assets this weekend will be a defining test for the new regime and a crucial step in the Bryce Young era.